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LOT 1435
Turco-Mongol Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (520 grams, 17 cm).
A hollow ceramic vessel with cylindrical body, carinated shoulder, short neck and domed mouth, bands of impressed herringbone patterns to the shoulder, waist and body, alternated with floral pattern around a groove; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., 'Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind,' in Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16; for this specific shape see Nicolle, D., Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era, 1050-1350 AD, volume II, London, 1999, fig.784e.
FootnotesThis piece was a sort of ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations.
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From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
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From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
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Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
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